Tonga Vacation and Trip Information

An archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and New Zealand, Tonga is the only monarchy in the Pacific. Made up of 171 islands, 48 inhabited, the “Friendly Islands” are divided into three main groups—Vava’u, Ha’apai and Tongatapu, the largest island and home to more than two-thirds of the population. The islands are thought to have been settled since around 500 B.C., with the Tongan monarchy reaching its apex in the 13th century. The first European explorer visited in 1643, though continual contact did not occur until 125 years later. The present dynasty was founded in 1845 by King George Tupou I. In 1900 the islands became a British protectorate, allowing the United Kingdom to deal with foreign affairs, though the country retained independence and autonomy. On June 4, 1970, the king declared Tonga’s “reentry into the community of nations” with full independence.

Along with the usual island resort activities of eating and drinking and lying on the beach, the Ha’amonga’a Maui Trilithon on Tongatapu is an 11th century stone arch that allegedly allows passage to another dimension. Surfers head for Ha’atafu Beach, also on Tongatapu. The Heilala Festival in July offers traditional song and dance, handicrafts displays, parades and even a beauty pageant.